Scotland's 'medal avalanche inspiring the nation'

Alex Salmond has hailed Team Scotland's "medal avalanche" at the Commonwealth Games, claiming it is inspiring the whole nation.

Alex Salmond joined the Queen to greet athletes on the first day of the Commonwealth Games on Thursday. Credit: PA

Scottish athletes have already won 34 medals at the halfway point of the 11-day competition - turning Glasgow 2014 into a recording-breaking year for the hosts.

Describing the medal haul as "phenomenal", Salmond said: "This fantastic achievement is testament to the hard work of the Team Scotland athletes, coaches and support staff, and their preparation and dedication is inspiring the whole nation.

"With half of the Games still to go it is very likely that Scotland's medal avalanche will continue," he added.